Monday 31 August 2015

NATIONAL NUCLEAR ENERGY ASSESSED FEASIBILITY OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANT INVESTMENT, INCLUDING URANIUM RAW MATERIALS

The National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) calculates the comparison between investment value and operational costs for construction of nuclear power plant (PLTN) reactor. Big investment value for the construction of reactor is very likely covered with low operational costs. “Fuel component is only 10 percent of operations,” Head of Nuclear Energy System Assessment Centre of BATAN, Yarian to S. Budi, told Business News (June 9).

In addition, the raw material of reactor, which is uranium, is not a significant problem. Instead, uranium is relatively easy to find, included in the nuclear missile removal program. Some countries, such as North Korea, Iran, and China will probably cancel their missile program. As the United States (US) continued to pressure several countries, including Iran and North Korea, to follow nuclear disarmament program has an impact on the low price of uranium. In the future, nuclear program leads to world stability. Because nuclear energy is used to meet the needs of energy, We could buy uranium, PLTN could profit, and can produce it themselves.”

BATAN will continue to analyze the plan of fulfillment of national electricity needs through nuclear technology. PLTN to meet the needs of electricity is a long-term effort, in the next 40-50 years. Regulations in Indonesia not yet accommodated a variety of utilization of nuclear technology. But the results of electricity generation still involve PT PLN (State Electricity Company).

Even if there is construction of IPP (Independent Power Producer), sales and distribution system is through PPA (power purchase agreement) system of PT PLN. “If nuclear energy could generate 1000 MW electricity, it would be able to help other energy, especially coal fossil energy, fossil price is increasingly expensive. While, solar and wind power is relatively expensive.”

Based on rough calculations, Indonesia needs 50 PLTN reactors by 2050. This calculation mets the ideal conditions for an equitable fulfillment of electricity needs throughout Indonesia. As a comparison, Indonesia’s national electricity consumption reached 680 kilo watt per hour (kwh) per capita. While in Malaysia, the average consumption per household reached 3,500 kwh per capita. “If we want to be like Malaysia, we have to build 10 gigawatts per year. But do not just rely on fossil coal. The National Energy Policy (KEN) has recommended energy mix, including nuclear.”

One large PLTN rector can supply 1000-2600 Megawatt electricity. While, a small reactor supplies 50-100 MW, and medium reactor 300-500 Megawatts. BATAN is still calculating the needs and the ideal size of the reactor needed. But in general, most major electrical needs are in Java and Bali.

So the reactor needed is definitely is of large size. While, for other islands, such as Kalimantan and Sulawesi, a small reactor is enough. “Demand and supply should be balanced. If Borneo is equipped with 1000 grade, it is imbalanced. But Java, in accordance with KEN recommendation, must use energy mix, including geothermal, hydro, biodiesel and others. It is still possible for PLTN to adjust to KEN recommendation. Do not get rid of it, although we are not yet ready.”

BATAN is promoting the construction of nuclear power plants (PLTN) as an effort to carry out the mandate of the government. But, the promotional activity is still very early, namely feasibility study. The long road to the success of development should also involve a supervisory agency. Some great points for development realization include, among other, supervision of safety.

In addition, licensing aspect is very complicated and lengthy. Licensing is devided into several categories, such as site approval, location permit, principle license, commissioning permit, and so forth. BATAN has recommended four safe locations for the construction of PLTN. “Two locations in Bangka, and two in Muria, Jepara, North Coast of Jepara Central Java.”


Additionally, investors have to prepare safety, feasibility, emergency analysis and so forth. All of these must go through the assessment stage. BAPETEN (Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency) can assess the feasibility after assessment. (E)

Business News - June 10, 2015

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